Cathode composition for lithium batteries and method of preparing the same

ABSTRACT

Provided is a cathode composition for lithium secondary battery that includes a lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide that has the formula Li[Li (1-x)/3 Cr x Ti (2/3)y Mn 2(1-x-y)/3 ]O 2  where 0≦x≦0.3, 0≦y≦0.3 and 0.1≦x+y≦0.3, and layered a-LiFeO 2  structure. A method of synthesizing the lithium-chromium-titanium manganese oxide includes preparing a first mixed solution by dispersing titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) in a mixed solution of chrome acetate (Cr 3 (OH) 2 (CH 3 CO 2 ) 7 ) and manganese acetate ((CH 3 CO 2 ) 2 Mn.4H 2 O), adding a lithium hydroxide (LiOH) solution to the first mixed solution to obtain homogeneous precipitates, forming precursor powder that has the formula Li[Li (1-x)/3 Cr x Ti (2/3)y Mn 2(1-x-y)/3 ]O 2  where 0≦x≦0.3, 0≦y≦0.3 and 0.1≦x+y≦0.3 by heating the homogeneous precipitates, and heating the precursor powder to form oxide powder having a layered structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 2003-66949, filed on Sep. 26, 2003, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention related to a cathode composition for lithium secondary battery and a method of preparing the same, particularly, related to the cathode composition consists of lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxides with layered α-LiFeO₂ structure.

2. Description of the Related Art

There have been considerable works on substituting Mn⁴⁺ in Li₂MnO₃ with Ni, Co, Cr, or Ti partially in the development of cathode materials for lithium batteries, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0114995 A1. However, those manganese-based layered oxides exhibited insufficient capacity for commercialization, for example, xLi₂TiO₃.(1−x)LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(0.5)O₂ (x≦0.1) prepared by conventional method showed only 140 mAh/g capacity.

Recently, the synthesis of a novel lithium-nickel-manganese oxide, xLiNiO₂.(1−x)Li₂MnO₃, with a high capacity of 230 mAh/g disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0027048 A1. However, the material exhibited a wide range of discharge voltage, from 4.6 to 3.0 V, which may result in voltage fluctuation when it was used commercially. On the other hand, xLiNiO₂.(1−x)Li₂MO₃ (M=Mn or Ti, ⅓≦x≦½) material that was reported to have possible application in secondary lithium battery is too expensive to use due to the high cost of Ni.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Present invention provides a cathode composition consists of layered lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxides. The material exhibited flat discharge curves on extended cycles when used as a cathode in lithium batteries.

The present invention provides a simple mass production method for a cathode material that gives high discharge capacity at low costs.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cathode composition for a lithium secondary battery, the cathode composition comprising a lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide that has the formula Li[Li_((1-x)/3)Cr_(x)Ti_((2/3)y)Mn_(2(1-x-y)/3)]O₂ where 0≦x≦0.3, 0≦y≦0.3 and 0.1≦x+y≦0.3.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided method of preparing a cathode composition for a lithium secondary battery, the method comprising preparing a first mixed solution by dispersing titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in a mixed solution of chrome acetate (Cr₃(OH)₂(CH₃CO₂)₇) and manganese acetate tetrahydrate ((CH₃CO₂)₂Mn.4H₂O). Next, a lithium hydroxide (LiOH) aqueous solution is added to the first mixed solution to obtain homogeneous precipitates. Precursor powder that has the formula Li[Li_((1-x)/3)Cr_(x)Ti_((2/3)y)Mn_(2(1-x-y)/3)]O₂ where 0≦x≦0.3, 0≦y≦0.3 and 0.1≦x+y≦0.3 is formed by heating the homogeneous precipitates, and the precursor powder is heated to form oxide powder that has a layered structure.

The forming of the precursor powder may comprise firing the homogeneous precipitates on a hot plate by heating the homogeneous precipitates. In this case, the homogeneous precipitates may be fired after coating a titanium foil with the homogeneous precipitates.

The heating of the precursor powder may comprise performing a first thermal process on the precursor powder at a first temperature ranging from 650° C. to 700° C. Next, a second thermal process is performed on the first thermally processed oxide powder at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature. The second thermal process may be performed in an atmospheric condition at a temperature ranging from 900° C. to 1000° C. The method of preparing a cathode composition for a lithium secondary battery according to the present invention may further comprise grinding the first thermally processed oxide powder prior to performing the second thermal process. The oxide power after the second thermal process may be quenched.

A cathode composition for lithium secondary batteries according to the present invention that has the formula Li[Li_((1-x)/3)Cr_(x)Ti_((2/3)y)Mn_(2(1-x-y)/3)]O₂ where 0≦x≦0.3, 0≦y≦0.3 and 0.1≦x+y≦0.3 provides a flat discharge curve and a large discharge capacity independent of charging/discharging cycles. Therefore, lithium secondary batteries with small voltage fluctuation can be manufactured from the cathode composition according to the present invention. The method of preparing the above cathode composition according to the present invention allows mass production of the oxide compounds at low costs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of preparing a lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide that is a cathode composition for lithium secondary batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of a lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide prepared using the method according to the present invention

FIG. 3 is a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) photograph of the lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide prepared using the method according to the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are graphs illustrating the discharge characteristics of lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide Li[Li_(0.30)Cr_(0.10)Ti_(0.07)Mn_(0.53)]O₂ prepared using the method according to the present invention; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a cycling behavior of lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide Li[Li_(0.30)Cr_(0.10)Ti_(0.07)Mn_(0.53)]O₂ prepared using the method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A cathode composition for lithium secondary batteries according to the present invention includes a lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide that has the formula Li[Li_((1-x)/3)Cr_(x)Ti_((2/3)y)Mn_(2(1-x-y)/3)]O₂ where 0≦x≦0.3, 0≦y≦0.3 and 0.1≦x+y≦0.3.

When a lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide with 0.1≦x+y≦0.2 in the above formula is used as a cathode composition for a lithium secondary battery, the lithium secondary battery has a flat discharge curve at 3.2 V independent of cycles and a great discharge capacity of 200 mAh/g even after 80 cycles at room temperature. Since Mn and Ni are present as 4⁺ ions in the above formula, a layered α-LiFeO₂ structure of the oxide remains without transformation into a spinel structure during cycling.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of preparing a cathode composition for lithium secondary batteries that has the formula Li[Li_((1-x)/3)Cr_(x)Ti_((2/3)y)Mn_(2(1-x-y)/3)]O₂ where 0≦x≦0.3, 0≦y≦0.3 and 0.1≦x+y≦0.3, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a first mixed solution is prepared by dispersing titanium oxide (TiO₂) in a mixed solution of chrome acetate (Cr₃(OH)₂(CH₃CO₂)₇) and manganese acetate tetrahydrate ((CH₃CO₂)₂Mn.4H₂O) (step 10). In particular, stoichiometric amounts of chrome acetate (Cr₃(OH)₂(CH₃CO₂)₇) and manganese acetate tetrahydrate ((CH₃CO₂)₂Mn.4H₂O) are initially dissolved in distilled water, and a stiochiometric amount of titanium oxide (TiO₂) is dispersed in the mixed solution while stirring.

A stoichiometric amount of lithium hydroxide (LiOH) aqueous solution is added to the first mixed solution while stirring to obtain homogeneous precipitates (step 20). The homogeneous precipitates have the composition of Li[Li_((1-x)/3)Cr_(x)Ti_((2/3)y)Mn_(2(1-x-y)/3)]O₂ where 0.1≦x+y≦0.3, preferably, where Li[Li_((1-x)/3)Cr_(x)Ti_((2/3)y)Mn_(2(1-x-y)/3)]O₂ where 0≦x≦0.3, 0≦y≦0.3 and 0.1≦x+y≦0.2. If x+y is less than 0.1, a battery manufactured from the composition has a smaller discharge capacity of 120 mAh/g or less. If x+y is greater than 0.3, the discharge curve of the battery has a narrower flat range.

Porous precursor powder is obtained when the homogeneous precipitates obtained in step 20 catch fire (step 30). In particular, the homogeneous precipitates are heated to remove water that remains therein, and a resulting product is coated on a titanium foil and heated on a hot plate. As the water in the precipitates is fully removed, the precipitates catch fire due to an acetate group (—COOH) that exists in the precipitates. As a result of the fire, the porous oxide powder is formed from the generation of gases.

The precursor oxide power obtained in step 30 is subjected to a first thermal process for about 3 hours at a first temperature T₁ that ranges from about 650° C. to 700° C. (step 40). As a result of this first thermal process (pre-firing), organic substance that remains in the precursor powder is fully decomposed so that the precursor powder is partially transformed into a layered structure.

The pre-fired oxide powder is ground (step 50) and annealed in a general atmospheric condition at a second temperature T₂, which is higher than the first temperature T₁, for about 12 hours in air (step 60). The second temperature T₂ may range from about 900° C. to 1000° C. As a result of this second thermal process, the oxide power has single-phase α-LiFeO₂ crystals in a perfectly layered structure.

After the second thermal process, the oxide is quenched (step 70) and finely ground into a lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide that has the composition defined above (step 80).

Hereinafter, an example of synthesizing a cathode composition for lithium secondary batteries according to the present invention, which contains a lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide, will now be described.

SYNTHESIS EXAMPLE

Stoichiometric amounts of chromium acetate hydroxide (Cr₃(OH)₂(CH₃CO₂)₇), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), manganese acetate tetrahydrate ((CH₃CO₂)₂Mn.4H₂O), and lithium hydroxide (LiOH) were individually dissolved or dispersed in distilled water. The amounts of the above reagents in the synthesized oxides were as follows:

Composition (1), Li[Li_(0.30)Cr_(0.10)Ti_(0.07)Mn_(0.53)]O₂, was synthesized from 11.13 g of LiOH, 26.39 g of (CH₃CO₂)₂Mn.4H₂O, 4.33 g of Cr₃(OH)₂(CH₃CO₂)₇, and 1.08 g of TiO₂;

Composition (2), Li[Li_(0.27)Cr_(0.20)Ti_(0.07)Mn_(0.46)]O₂, was synthesized from 10.87 g of LiOH, 23.12 g of (CH₃CO₂)₂Mn.4H₂O, 8.67 g of Cr₃(OH)₂(CH₃CO₂)₇, and 1.08 g of TiO₂;

Composition (3), Li[Li_(0.30)Cr_(0.10)Ti_(0.10)Mn_(0.50)]O₂, was synthesized from 11.13 g of LiOH, 23.12 g of (CH₃CO₂)₂Mn.4H₂O, 4.33 g of Cr₃(OH)₂(CH₃CO₂)₇, and 1.61 g of TiO₂; and

Composition (4), Li[Li_(0.32)Cr_(0.05)Ti_(0.03)Mn_(0.60)]O₂, was synthesized from 11.27 g of LiOH, 29.69 g of (CH₃CO₂)₂Mn.4H₂O, 2.17 g of Cr₃(OH)₂(CH₃CO₂)₇, and 0.54 g of TiO₂.

A sufficient amount of distilled water was used to dissolve each of the reagents. In the preparation of the above compositions, lithium hydroxide was dissolved in about 70 mL of distilled water, while chromium acetate and manganese acetate were dissolved in about 60 mL of distilled water. Titanium dioxide was added to the mixed solution of chromium and manganese acetate. Then the mixture was stirred at room temperature until the titanium dioxide was dispersed throughout. To obtain homogeneous precipitates, the lithium hydroxide solution was slowly added to the above mixed oxide suspension with stirring.

The resulting precipitation solution was heated on a hot plate until it became viscous inorganic polymer. Then it was coated on a titanium foil and heated on hot plate to give porous powders. The powders were fired at 700° C. for 3 hours (first thermal process). The products from this first thermal process were ground, calcinated in an atmospheric condition at 900° C. for 12 hours or longer, and quenched to form desired oxides in α-LiFeO₂ phase.

FIG. 2 illustrates an X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of a lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide prepared in the above synthesis example, which has the formula Li[Li_(0.30)Cr_(0.10)Ti_(0.07)Mn_(0.53)]O₂ where x+y=0.20. The XRD pattern supports the fact that the synthesized oxide has a layered structure.

FIG. 3 is a scanning electron microscopic (SEM) photograph of the lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide prepared in the above synthesis example, which has the formula Li[Li_(0.30)Cr_(0.10)Ti_(0.07)Mn_(0.53)]O₂ where x+y=0.20. As is apparent from FIG. 3, the synthesized oxide consists of equiaxed hexagonal particles.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are graphs illustrating the discharge characteristics of the lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide Li[Li_(0.30)Cr_(0.10)Ti_(0.07)Mn_(0.53)]O₂ prepared in the above synthesis example. Charge/discharge were carried out at a current of 13.2 mA/g in the voltage range of 2.0 V to 4.9 V. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the initial discharge capacity is about 145 mAh/g, however, the capacity increased to 200 mAh/g after 60 cycles. To obtain the graphs of FIGS. 4A and 4B, a cathode was prepared by mixing 85% of the synthesized oxide powder with 7.5% of a conducting agent and 7.5% of a binder by weight. A solution of 1M LiPF₆ salt dissolved in a 1:1 solvent mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) was used as an electrolyte. A lithium foil was used as an anode.

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating the cycling characteristics of the lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide Li[Li_(0.30)Cr_(0.10)Ti_(0.07)Mn_(0.53)]O₂ prepared in the above synthesis example. As shown in FIG. 5, the cell sustained 200 mAh/g discharge capacity even after more than 80 cycles at a current density of 13.2 mA/g. The lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide prepared in the synthesis example according to the present invention yields a much flatter discharge curve than previously reported lithium-manganese oxides that have layered structure and the capacity is also larger than LiCoO₂, which is known for having a flat discharge curve.

According to the present invention, lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide with Li[Li_((1-x)/3)Cr_(x)Ti_((2/3)y)Mn_(2(1-x-y)/3)]O₂ formula, where 0≦x≦0.3, 0≦y≦0.3 and 0.1≦x+y≦0.3, has a layered a-LiFeO₂ structure. The lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide with the above composition yields a flat discharge curve and a large discharge capacity on the extended cycles. Therefore, a lithium secondary battery with less fluctuation can be manufactured by using the oxide composition as a cathode material.

In the method of preparing the lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide Li[Li_((1-x)/3)Cr_(x)Ti_((2/3)y)Mn_(2(1-x-y)/3)]O₂ according to the present invention, transition metal acetate is used as a reactant, so that porous precursor powder can be obtained as a result of the combustion of the acetate group (—COOH) at an early reaction stage. The porous precursor powder facilitates the reaction at high temperature. Then the manganese-based oxide having layered structure can be mass produced at a low cost.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. A cathode composition for a lithium secondary battery, the cathode composition comprising a lithium-chromium-titanium-manganese oxide that has the formula Li[Li_((1-x)/3)Cr_(x)Ti_((2/3)y)Mn_(2(1-x-y)/3)]O₂ where 0<x≦0.3, 0<y≦0.3 and 0.1≦x+y≦0.3.
 2. A method of preparing a cathode composition for a lithium secondary battery, the method comprising: preparing a first mixed solution by dispersing titanium dioxide (TiO₂) in a mixed solution of chrome acetate (Cr₃(OH)₂(CH₃CO₂)₇) and manganese acetate tetrahydrate ((CH₃CO₂)₂Mn.4H₂O); adding a lithium hydroxide (LiOH) aqueous solution to the first mixed solution to obtain homogeneous precipitates; forming precursor powder that has the formula Li[Li_((1-x)/3)Cr_(x)Ti_((2/3)y)Mn_(2(1-x-y)/3)]O₂ where 0<x≦0.3, 0<y≦0.3 and 0.1≦x+y≦0.3 by heating the homogeneous precipitates; and heating the precursor powder to form oxide powder that has a layered structure.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the forming of the precursor powder comprises firing the homogeneous precipitates on a hot plate by heating the homogeneous precipitates.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the firing of the homogeneous precipitates is performed after coating a titanium foil with the homogeneous precipitates.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the heating of the precursor powder comprises: performing a first thermal process on the precursor powder at a first temperature ranging from 650° C. to 700° C.; and performing a second thermal process on the first thermally processed oxide powder at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second temperature ranges from 900° C. to 1000° C.
 7. The method of claim 5, further comprising grinding the first thermally processed oxide powder prior to performing the second thermal process.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the second thermal process is performed in an atmospheric condition.
 9. The method of claim 5, further comprising quenching the second thermally processed oxide powder. 